In a move that’s sure to spark conversations among baseball enthusiasts, the Arizona Diamondbacks have quietly bolstered their roster by signing infielder Jacob Amaya and relievers Taylor Rashi and Gerardo Carrillo to minor league deals. But here’s where it gets interesting: these signings, announced by their Triple-A affiliate in Reno, come with non-roster invitations to Spring Training, hinting at a potential shake-up in the team’s dynamics. And this is the part most people miss—while these players might not be household names, their addition could signal a strategic shift in the Diamondbacks’ approach to depth and versatility.
Let’s start with Jacob Amaya, a 27-year-old utility player who spent the 2025 season with the White Sox. While his MLB stats were underwhelming—batting just .106 in 36 games—his Triple-A performance tells a different story. With a .250/.352/.420 slash line and nine home runs across 219 plate appearances, Amaya showcased his potential as a solid contributor. But here’s the controversy: despite decent batted ball metrics, his 29% strikeout rate raises questions about his consistency at the plate. Is he a diamond in the rough or a player who’s peaked? That’s a debate for the fans to decide.
Amaya, a former 11th-round pick by the Dodgers, brings nearly 5,000 professional innings at shortstop and over 1,100 at second base to the table. He’s also logged time at third base, making him a versatile infield option. However, he’ll face stiff competition from Tim Tawa for the utility role in camp. While Reno seems like his likely starting point, don’t count him out just yet—Spring Training could be his chance to prove the doubters wrong.
Taylor Rashi, on the other hand, is no stranger to the Diamondbacks. After being non-tendered a few weeks ago to make room for James McCann, the 29-year-old righty is back in the fold. His 2025 season was a mixed bag: 10 appearances, 16 1/3 innings, and eight runs allowed. Yet, his Pacific Coast League performance—a 3.48 ERA and 25% strikeout rate over 67 1/3 innings—suggests there’s more to his story. The question remains: Can he translate that success to the majors, or is he better suited for a minor league role? It’s a topic that’s sure to divide opinions.
Then there’s Gerardo Carrillo, a 27-year-old righty who’s yet to make his MLB debut. A former Dodgers prospect, Carrillo was part of the blockbuster Max Scherzer/Trea Turner trade in 2021. After topping out at Double-A with the Nationals, he briefly reached Triple-A with the Rangers last year, posting a 3.69 ERA and a 26.8% strikeout rate. While his numbers are impressive against younger competition, the jump to the majors is a significant one. Will he rise to the occasion, or will he remain a minor league standout? Only time will tell.
These signings may not grab the headlines like a blockbuster trade, but they’re a testament to the Diamondbacks’ commitment to building depth and fostering competition. As Spring Training approaches, all eyes will be on Amaya, Rashi, and Carrillo to see if they can make the most of their opportunities. What do you think? Are these moves a smart investment in the team’s future, or are the Diamondbacks settling for mediocrity? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
